Colorado Mesa University’s Ho Olokahi Polynesian Alliance Club hosted their lu’au on Saturday night. Every year there is always an amazing turn out, but this year the event was even larger. It sold out.
A lu’au is a traditional Hawaiian party that features a large feast and a musical performance. The club has been preparing for their lu’au since the summer and their dancers have been practicing since September.
The club brought in Grammy-Award Winner Kalani Pe’a to perform. Pe’a was a part of Polynesian Alliance Club when he was a student at Colorado Mesa University and was president of the club from 2002 to 2003.
Pe’a performed three songs and the dancers were out there with him. The dancers performed by themselves as well.
“Tonight we will be performing Kahiko and ‘Auana. Kahiko is more of a serious dance and ‘Auana is more of a peaceful dance,” CMU student and club member Dayna Romero said prior to the performance.
Both women and men performed in these dances. They would either all dance together, or they would do just female or just male dancing.
“We have been practicing the dances all the way back to September,” CMU student and club member Kameron Paige said. “[The men] are going to be wearing a traditional cloth called a malo, it is not comfortable to dance in but we are so excited to perform.”
Every performance showcased at the luau showcased the hard work and long hours of preparation. Those in attendance could tell how much heart and soul was put in by the Polynesian club and Pe’a.
Those in attendance were served traditional Hawaiian food like roast pork, fruit and various sides.
The Polynesian Alliance demonstrated a one-of-a-kind lu’au to kick off unity fest.
